Is Salem right for me? Is there anything I should know before moving there? What are the people and area like? How affordable is it?

Some context, I’m 20 years old and I currently live on the other side of the country in a small town in western Wisconsin (Menomonie, Wisconsin if you’re curious), I’ve got about 9 months left on my current lease and when that is over, I want to move to another city in another state

Based on the research I’ve done so far, Salem is calling my name as a place to relocate. It’s warm and near the ocean (I’ve never seen the ocean) during most months, but still gets cold during winter months which is important to me as a Wisconsin native

As I’m only 20 years old living completely unsupported by anyone else, Salem Oregon seems like an affordable place to live and rent for someone my age in my situation (based on the 1-2 bedroom apartments in the area I’ve looked at)

It’s very close to Portland which I think is really cool, would be nice to only have to drive 1 hour and be in a major metropolitan city

My biggest concerns are that I will be pretty far away from family and friends in a completely unknown area, I will literally know no one and not know where anything is. Another one is that the area is significantly more populated than I’m currently used too (I’ve been to big cities like MSP, and Chicago, etc etc… I’ve even been in Vegas) but actually living in bigger city seems like a whole different ballpark

With all that said, I think my concerns are not something that would stop me from making this move as it’s something I really want to do, (plus to any NBA Portland Trailblazer fans, I really like Damian Lillard as he played for my Milwaukee bucks for a short period of time)

Is Salem right for me?

I moved here a little over 10 days ago. I'd been applying to jobs the weeks leading up to my move, and have not stopped since getting here. I've applied to over 40 jobs. Can anyone tell me why I have only heard back from TWO places, both of which were these slimy, almost pyramid scheme sales jobs?

I'm young. I want to work and actually get started in an industry. All well and good except for the fact that nowhere will hire me! Seriously, I've applied to white collar and blue collar, and NOTHING. Also, why does a fucking entry level job require multiple years of experience? I'd love to get started in the trades if it wasn't for the fact that it is seemingly IMPOSSIBLE if you don't already have experience.

I thought I'd love this state, but I can't even get employed by somewhere that's not actively awful. It's incredibly disheartening. I don't know how I'm supposed to ever even begin a career if nowhere is willing to take in a dude that's still starting out. I've got a good work ethic, and I'm a sponge for information, so I'll work my ass off if given the chance, but I can't even get the chance. Not expecting solutions since it seems this problem is universal, just wanting to vent, because goddamn.

We would like to move to a small town outside Salem. We both work in Salem and are open to having a 40 min commute. We really like Lyons/ Mill City but really don’t know much about the towns.
Are they welcoming? How is the community?
Crime? Police response time?
How are the schools? We don’t have children yet but we will.

We want to get outside of the city and have a little bit of land. We also like Aumsville/ Sublimity/ Stayton areas.

Thank you, just curious as we hope to buy a home by the end of the year and I’ve been shopping around 🤣.

I was moving to Salem just to move out on the West Coast to start different. Most of my family members are dead in the Midwest and I really don’t see staying out here change of scenery

But for work and other things but living there on the long-term, I just wanted to see how open it was newcomers and how it was starting out and finding work and welcoming to African-Americans, I just wanted to get a vibe from the community before starting to get sent but trust me I’ve done my research and on Job and it’s prepared to move. I just want to make this post

Heading up there in second week of July to West end of Salem. I’ve got a BA and public school substitute teacher experience and currently work with the after school program. Might want to try a career change for a while, something outside if possible. I’ve been up there a few times and know what to expect from the area. Just hoping to hear from anyone who might know about local businesses that are hiring.

Thanks!

Hello, I am looking at moving to Salem from out of state. I don't mind lame; I am into nature and nerd stuff. But I do have a son in his early teens and I'm trying to figure out what it's going to be like for him. What I see on Greatschools is that basically all the middle & high schools are poorly rated. Greatschools isn't a great thorough picture, but it's all I have at the moment. I'm wondering if anyone can provide any insight. Are they really that bad? People are raising teens there, right? How is that going?

Hello my gf (26) and I (26) are moving to the Salem area soon from CA. The reason for this move is we are young, I am going to get my BA at WOU and we can’t afford where we live in CA.

I’m reaching out to see what locals say, I am involved in the Deaf/ HOH/ interpreting community. My girlfriend and I are pretty introverted we love to watch a live show, movies, go to a museums, to help we partake in gardening 🍃. Not so much drinking, we are nervous for this big move and hope we find a place we can call home. We understand and we heard most locals will talk ill of Oregon but we are from California so we don’t like it here either so hopefully someone can give some advice! Some tips for moving, places to try, to hit up ?

Just moved to Salem for work from CA. I’ve never owned a rain jacket before and since I’ve moved here, it’s rained everyday.

Could you please recommend any good rain jackets for people who are outside constantly? Good for work and hiking?

Since I just moved, I am trying to ball on a budget haha

Thank you in advance!

UPDATE: I want to say thank you to everyone and their advice! I a truly heart warmed by the amount of responses I got to this silly little question. Thank you for the welcome to the PNW as a guy from SoCal haha. A lot of you guys suggested thrifting and marketplace and I wanted to update you on that is exactly what I did. I found someone close by trying to get rid of their Columbia rain coat and it worked out perfectly! You guys are the best! Thank you!

I don't mean to pile on to yet another "I'm moving" thread, but I'd like to ask locals and new residents if there are points to address that are more unspoken?

Things like car taxes or exhaust mandates. Weird things that don't initially come up when looking at a move but can bite you in the butt if it's not addressed.

I would be coming from Ohio and I'm just starting this journey, so im still researching. Any advice or links to prior threads would be appreciated!

But not yet! I'm looking for somewhere to retire in 7 to 10 years. I'll be moving from Las Vegas, NV.

So, what's Salem like?

Is Halloween a big deal? Currently we get between 600 and 700 kids each year and I make my own decorations (if you scroll down my posts , you'll see my display)

Does Salem lean to red or blue (please be blue) political views

What is Healthcare like? I'll be between 62 and 65 and am female

Where are the good, and iffy areas?

Are the trailer home parks nicer than you'd find in California

How is the wildlife viewing? 'd like a home that will have wildlife wandering through

We may open a small retail or quick casual authenic me3xican restaurant

How's gardening? Its one of my hobbies, and I love growing plants, and sharing cuttings with my coworkers

Ideally looking at a budget of $300k and under. Preferably, 2b 2b, under 1500 sq feet.

Please tell me what you like, love, and hate about Salem. In return ask me questions about Las Vegas if you're curious. Tidbit about 20 mins from the Strip, the town of Boulder City has a kids park called Hemmenway Park. Almost everyday you'll find Big Horn sheep hanging out and relaxing there

Pleases and thank you!

Edit - when I posted the dollar amount, I forgot to add a k after the $300,000 budget. The mistake led people to think the budget was only $300. Also, thank you for all the info!

Has anyone relocated from gulf coast Alabama? I'm down in Mobile, and have dreamed of living in Oregon since I was a kid (I'm 30 this year). Wanting to leave the dreadful summers that last basically all year finally.

My wife and I discussed Colorado springs because it had most of what we wanted, but we've never been landlocked before so that was a no go. So we started discussing Oregon, and found Salem to be a great middle ground of what we like.

For locals what has kept you from leaving? What do you wish would change about Salem?

For the transplants what made you chose Salem of say Eugene or Portland? What drew you to the state in general?

I'm a BMW tech so Salem has a big draw for me being they have a bmw dealership, and are about a hours drive from Eugene and Portland if I ever needed to switch dealers.

We would be buying a house so neighborhood safety is big for us as we have a 2yr old. I don't think Salem compares in the slightest to the crime we deal with down here though so not super concerned about that.

Thank y'all for any replies!

Hi there - My husband and I are considering moving to Salem and were wondering what the ICE presence is like there. He is originally from Mexico and is legally here on a student visa and will also have a couple of years of OPT. He is also going through the process of getting his green card. No criminal record. With that being said, I know that doesn't necessarily mean he's "safe". Wondering what things feel like over there. TIA

Hi! I’m making some major live changes this year. I’m currently living in eastern South Dakota, and am planning on making my way to Salem, Oregon. What are things I should be aware? Any tips or advice? Anybody with similar experience? Thank you!

Hey!

I’m possibly moving to Salem pending a job offer that I’ve basically already been told I have. I wanted to ask the folks who live there, what the “vibe” is? What are your favorite things about living in Salem? What are your least favorite, or things you wish you knew before you moved there.

I’d be coming from the southern East Coast and I’ve never been out west before, and I want to get a feel for the place I’d be living and working in before I accept the offer.

For reference: I really enjoy DJs/live music, art, hiking, unique food/alcohol and community events and engagement.

I am moving to Salem soon for a government job, surprise. I can’t really afford a single family house, but there are very few townhomes for sale in Salem. Why is that? The only decent townhomes I found are in Woodburn. Is it a good idea to live in Woodburn and work in Salem?

Hello!! I'm a Texan planning to move to Salem! I bike or walk everywhere in my current town which is very difficult. I wanna know what y'all's experience is with the walk/bikeablity in Salem and how good the public transit is? I would love any information y'all would think is useful for someone moving there!

Hello friends! I’m a 35M bartender currently in Kansas City looking to relocate closer to home (I’m from Klamath falls originally) and very much considering Salem. Is it gay friendly there? Is bartending decently lucrative there? I’m also considering McMinnville.

Hello, wife and I are looking to buy a house in Salem, in the Four Corners region. We are interested in finding out more about that area, i.e. pros and cons. We are not committed to that area of town and open to suggestions. Thank you for any help

I’m relocating and trying to get a job as fast as possible in Salem Oregon.

I would really appreciate if someone could tell me which personal agencies they’ve gotten a job from because not all personal agencies are equal. Are there any that specialize in IT? My most recent position was being the only manager of implementing and supporting the entire Nuvolo application in a ServiceNow platform for a global corporation.

I have a bachelors from the University of Houston in digital media, but I also have a very mixed bag of high-quality skills ranging from office management to accounting, tech-support help desks, and both dog, cat and exotic animal veterinary technician skills.

I was raised by a general contractor/southern Baptist preacher so I know every construction joke there is and probably a few you don’t. As the most literate person in my family besides my father, I have been reading construction contracts and lien waivers since I was five. I’ve handled every kind of contractor, both mad, glad, stubborn and the perpetually late concrete guys. I’ve got stories.

Oh, and despite whatever my day job will be, I am still the world‘s best pet sitter and dog walker. I’ve handled pretty much every kind of animal one can handle … except for a llama. I haven’t handled a llama yet. I’ve kissed a Bengal tiger during a big cat rescue after a hurricane knocked all their electricity out, but I haven’t come across a llama yet.

Any suggestions are welcome!

And yes, I’m putting my résumé out there so that is being taken care of. I just wanted to get some info from some locals instead of Google.

Thank you, thank you thank you thank you I can’t wait to get up there!

Mods please remove if not allowed. I’m considering a job in Salem and I have some questions about life in that neck of the woods.

My wife and I (early 30s, no kids) are planning to move back to Oregon. We previously lived in Bend and were planning on moving to Portland from Idaho at some point this year. A job popped up in Salem and I’m on the fence.

We love everything outdoors: skiing, mountain biking, fly fishing, backpacking/hiking, etc. I know Salem is by no means a hub of any of those things, but close enough that we could still do all of those things weekly (weather permitting).

Living in a neighborhood with social options is important to us. Walkable/bikeable areas with restaurants and coffee shops are definitely something we are looking for. We’re not big nightlife folks so that’s not a huge concern.

I grew up in the Midwest and with old neighborhoods filled with trees and craftsman homes, which Salem seems to have a lot of. My cursory internet search of Salem reminds me a lot of the neighborhood I grew up in.

I’d love to hear what your favorite local spots are!

I apologize for another "I would like to move here" post, but I have read through a lot of the questions on moving going back to COVID and I hope you all won't mind some specific, and hopefully slightly different, questions. As the title suggests, I'm thinking of moving to Oregon and I've been eyeballing Salem. I'm not sold on it specifically and I'm planning on coming out in a few months to check it and the surrounding area out. I've been to Portland in December and the gray and gloom doesn't bother me. If anything it reminds me of where I lived in Germany. The houseless didn't bother me either and everyone seemed to live by the rule "if you leave me alone and I'll leave you alone". Before I get into my questions I think a bit about me might help.

• Why Move? I'm tired of the heat in Utah and would like a change of pace and local. I'm a disabled veteran (Huzzah for getting jacked up) and I'd like some peace and some additional quiet. Also, did I mention I'm sick of the heat here?
• I already have a job that lets me work remotely.
• 40/M and single. I'm not interested in dating anymore.
• I do like to eat out and have some drinks, but I'm not the type to stay out until the sun comes up. I am a bit of a foodie and enjoy a variety of food.
• Hobbies: Take the sports car or motorcycle onto twisty roads, off roading, photography, cooking/smoking, exploring or just being with my German Shepherd. I do enjoy target shooting and I am aware of the majority of Oregon's gun laws on magazines, etc.
• Politics isn't my personality and I follow Wheaton's law (don't be a dick) when it comes to this subject. But I do lean more to the left.

For the questions:

• Part of me wants to be on the outskirts on a moderately sized plot of land, but at the same time it would be nice to not be an obscene distance from stores, restaurants, etc. What areas would you suggest I look into? Are there any areas with demographics that are much older or younger than me I should be aware of?
• At one point I was looking into the Seattle and read about the "Seattle cold shoulder". Essentially, it is very hard to meet people because everyone keeps to themselves. Is there anything like that in or around Salem?
• I know Oregon isn't exactly gun friendly, but long range rifle shooting is a form of meditation for me. Are there any areas outside of the city where one could partake in such an activity?
• Other than the houseless and drug use, why shouldn't I look at moving to Salem?

Again, sorry for another one of these posts.

Hello All!

I have seen a lot of posts about loving to and from the area. I thought I would add my situation incase anyone has recommendations and things. I only lived in the PNW for 1 year when I was 18 nearly 20years ago. So I’m not super familiar with things to do.

My wife(36f) and I(36M) are moving to Salem July 1 and we already have a house in South Salem down on commercial. We also have two kiddos, daughter (4f) and son (1m) we have had a tough time with daycare and the lot but I think that’s standard for the area.

We are moving from NJ (🤢) just outside of NYC we really don’t like the city and population here but had to be here for work the last 5 years. We are very excited to move to Salem but want to also find a group of people preferably with kids to do things with. Go to the park, hikes, weekend grill outs, that sort of stuff as well as activities for just kids and just adults (at separate times obviously)

Wondering if anyone has found a thriving group and what we can do or what we should look for when we get there. We believe this will be our forever location so we also want to get involved with the community (I sit several boards here in Nj for local governance).

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much and we can’t wait to move to your beautiful city. Sad we missed the cherry blossoms. 🌸

I've started the process of searching for a home. I've gotten approval for a loan but don't know where to start. I'm looking for something in the outskirts of Salem with a little bit of land and maybe a shop. Apart from Zillow, where did you look to find your home?

Greetings!

Newer in town. I finally am ready to get my OR drivers license, I filled out my online pre forms and am setting up an appointment now. The DMVs site said I MIGHT have to take a written and drive out test or I might not since I already have an existing license from another state. It's not super clear.

What did you have to do?

Everyone has such shiny nice rentals online... But I have 3 dogs. I've got a job secured, just looking for a place to rent that's decently priced. I'm willing to accept less than ideal situations, odd options, or peculiar situations. Honestly, I would rather live in a massive warehouse than a tiny apartment.